It is not often thought to compare films as different as Forrest Gump and The Dark Knight Rises. Since they are completely different genres, it is difficult to imagine that they could have any similarities. But after thinking about it for a long time, it all starts to make sense. For one thing, they both have symbolism, although Forrest Gump has much more. The feather symbolizes freedom, leg braces symbolize society, the box of chocolates symbolizes life, the shrimp business symbolizes the working class, and the ping pong ball symbolizes focus, just to name a few. Batman himself is a symbol to the people of Gotham City and that's the point. Bruce also said; “As a man I can be destroyed… but as a symbol… as a symbol I can become incorruptible, eternal…” The masks worn by Batman, Bane and Cat Woman symbolize masks, strangely enough. Both literally and figuratively they hide the person's true identity. It is also notable that Batman's mask covers his entire face except his mouth, while Bane's mask only covers his mouth.Ethan G...